Improving NAP implementation through effective use of early warning: Experiences in the IGAD sub-region

Abstract

The principle purpose of an early warning system is to collect an appropriate set of data and information regularly, in a consistent manner so as to provide a sense of trends and enable prediction of future status of the environment and events on a timely basis. This is done with a view to have populations at risk to be in a state of preparedness to prevent and respond to disasters. It enables them improve response, save lives and property, reduce damage to property and reduce human suffering from the extreme events and processes. The concepts and science and technology for early warning systems have been substantially improved and refined over the last 30 years. Broad institutional arrangements and networks at various levels have equally developed tremendously during the same period. Even if not always perfect, the systems have globally given results in terms of indications and trends that have often attracted interventions but unfortunately not in many countries. States are being urged to address the issue as apart of their national risk management responsibility. However, it requires states to have conviction, commitments, laws and other instruments like development strategies and programmes that include National Action Programmes to Combat Desertification (NAPs) to implement interventions that ideally should be driven by an existing early warning system (EWS). There are instances in the IGAD sub-region where early warnings were issued but “ignored” and regretfully governments and responsible institutions were blamed for not having done enough before, during and after the disastrous events and processes like desertification, droughts, famines and floods. Redressing the situation proves to be even more costly. This paper endeavors to demonstrate that although the science and systems have been developed in the IGAD sub-region where extreme events abound, responses have not always been adequate. It is proposed that the solutions may lie in formulating strong pro-EWS policies, legal and institutional frameworks to enable effective utilization of the available science and technological capabilities. This will save our environment, reduce disastrous processes and events and promote the culture of risk assessments and management by the state. One of the appropriate vehicles to promote this can be the NAPs. The emphasis is on placement of early warning systems in a legal and institutional framework. This is with a view to influencing decision and policy making on risk management of our environment. Some of the legal areas that can be targeted for repeal to accommodate EWS are those of national statistical services, disaster management laws, and environmental management laws.